Share
Well Enough
Body Image: This Episode Will Teach You How To Love Your Body | Jules Von Hep & Dr Brendan J Dunlop
Season 1, Ep. 9
•
Jules Von Hep spent 20 years as a celebrity spray tanner, working with Hollywood actors and Victoria's Secret models. What did he learn? That every single person, no matter how "perfect," apologised for their body. Joined by expert Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Brendan J Dunlop, this episode explores the staggering impact of beauty standards on mental health.
This episode tackles the body image crisis, exploring why we are all conditioned to dislike how we look. We explore the drivers - toxic masculinity, social media algorithms, and stagnant marketing and discuss the shocking stat that 48% of men are struggling in silence with body image problems.
Jules shares his powerful journey from body dysmorphia to true body confidence, and Brendan gives practical tips for mindset shifts to love your body. This episode will teach you how to normalize the "body wobble," reframe exercise as self-love, and finally build a better relationship with the person in the mirror.
More from Well Enough:
Follow Well Enough on Instagram here
Follow Emilie on Instagram here
Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here
Timecodes:
00:00 How Body Dysmorphia Shaped My Life
01:05 Launching a Body Confidence Brand
02:15 Expert Opinion: Are Male Body Image Issues Common?
03:09 48% of Men & Boys Struggle With This
05:10 Spray Tanner's Secret: Everybody Has Body Doubts
06:30 Common Body Image Triggers
08:00 Where Do Male Beauty Standards Come From?
09:35 How the Social Media Algorithm Feeds Body Image Insecurity
10:30 The Truth About Men's Underwear Models
12:10 Wellness Culture and the "Homogenization" of Looks
13:30 Why the Male Body Standard is "Stagnant and Boring"
14:20 Ozempic, Steroids & the Warped View of the Male Body
16:20 Internalized Phobia: Body Image in the Queer Community
18:05 Strategy: How to "Flip the Script" on Negative Self-Talk
20:55 "Don't Punish, Nourish" Your Body
23:10 The RuPaul Rule for Self Compassion
25:05 The "Drip in the Ceiling": An Analogy for Mental Health
30:15 Mindset Shift: Confidence is a Journey, Not a Destination
32:00 Two Practical Tips to Build Self-Love Today
More from today’s guests:
Jules’s book ‘The Confidence Ritual’ here
Brendan’s book ‘The Queer Mental Health Workbook’ here
Resources:
Been There - Been There is a charity with an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained Mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing.
Young Minds Body Image support here
More episodes
View all episodes
1. Joe Wicks on protein, his controversial documentary, fatherhood & phone addiction
43:35||Season 2, Ep. 1Joe Wicks – a national fitness treasure – had a turbulent 2025. After speaking out against protein bars and ultra-processed food, he faced an unexpected backlash. Once the nation’s PE teacher during lockdown, Joe joins us to reflect on the emotional impact of that criticism, and how he balances family life with the pressure to maintain a flawless public image.In this candid chat, Joe discusses his new cookbook, which focuses on helping us add more protein to our diets, and brings his trademark warmth and honesty. He opens up about his concerns around social media, and shares how his children are beginning to understand his rise to fame.Follow Well Enough on Instagram hereFollow Emilie on Instagram here Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter hereTimecodes00:00 Introduction02:16 Why is Everyone Obsessed With Protein?03:10 The Real Benefits of Protein for Women & Perimenopause05:10 The "Protein Halo": Avoiding Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)06:36 The Link Between Diet, Mood, and Mental Health08:14 Why Joe Wicks Made the Controversial UPF Documentary10:11 Facing Backlash from the Fitness Community12:12 Why the Food Industry Stresses Joe Out14:15 Is Healthy Eating Too Expensive?16:32 The Power of Batch Cooking & Meal Planning18:24 Rejecting "Perfection" in Nutrition20:14 Joe Wicks on Vulnerability and "Off Days"22:11 Why Authenticity is More Important Than a "Highlights Reel"24:00 The Dangers of AI Filters and Fitness Influencers25:54 How to Beat Phone Addiction27:18 Joe Wicks on His Political Legacy (The Next Jamie Oliver?)29:02 Homeschooling and Raising Healthy Kids31:20 Joe’s Top Tip: How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables34:18 Transitioning from Veganism to an Omnivore Diet37:16 The "Phone Free Dad" Rule & Importance of SleepMore from Joe Wicks:New book Protein in 15Joe’s websiteFollow Joe on Instagram
18. 30 plants a week: the gold standard for a healthy gut microbiome? | Well Enough Highlights
11:05||Season 1, Ep. 18The advice to eat your greens is nothing new, but scientific research is now putting a specific number on just how much variety our bodies actually need. In this highlight from Well Enough, we return to the subject of the microbiome and the science of eating well. Our guest is Dr Megan Rossi, also known as The Gut Health Doctor, who discusses a landmark study from the American Gut Project that changed how we view dietary diversity.
17. 6 essential tips to let your hormones live in harmony | Well Enough Highlights
07:28||Season 1, Ep. 17Hormones frequently get a bad reputation, often being blamed for mood swings and feeling unwell. However, understanding how to support them can change your entire outlook on health. In this highlight from Well Enough, host Emilie Lavinia is joined by Hannah Alderson, a hormone expert who believes that the negative PR around our body's chemical messengers needs to stop. Hannah shares her perspective on finding balance and listening to your body signals - revealing her super simple hormone health toolkit.
16. Millie Mackintosh: My favourite alcohol free drinks | Well Enough Highlights
07:03||Season 1, Ep. 16The sober curious movement is growing rapidly, with more people reevaluating their relationship with alcohol and seeking distinct alternatives that still feel special.In this refreshing highlight from the Well Enough podcast, host Emilie Lavinia explores the world of sobriety and mindful drinking. Millie Mackintosh is a former Made in Chelsea star and vocal sobriety advocate, sharing her journey with millions online. Professor David Nutt, a world-leading expert on alcohol, explains the science behind alcohol’s negative affect on our brains.In this clip, the focus is on practical enjoyment as Millie Mackintosh shares her personal recommendations.
15. Longevity myths: The truth about celebrity wellness routines | Well Enough Highlights
10:45||Season 1, Ep. 15The pursuit of longevity is currently one of the biggest trends in wellness, with celebrity routines often setting the standard for youthful appearances. However, it is important to distinguish between strict health protocols and cosmetic assistance. In this clip, Emilie Lavinia is joined by Nadine Baggott, ITV’s resident beauty expert, and Dr Sophie Shotter, a leading longevity doctor. Together, they discuss the reality of aging in the public eye. In this clip, you will get the honest truth about why your favorite stars always look so glowing and perfect.
14. Can a good night’s sleep solve hormonal chaos? | Well Enough Highlights
11:14||Season 1, Ep. 14Sleep is often the first casualty of a busy life, yet it remains the foundation of our overall health. In this Well Enough, Emilie Lavinia and ITV This Morning’s Dr Zoe Williams discuss the critical link between rest and our body's internal chemistry. Dr Zoe is a trusted medical voice on our TV screens, who breaks down the science behind circadian rhythms and endocrine health. In this clip, you will learn exactly why getting a good night's sleep is not just about energy but is absolutely essential for healthy, functioning hormones.
13. The surprising truth about fibre and gut health | Well Enough Highlights
08:14||Season 1, Ep. 13Gut health has become a dominant topic in the wellness world, but navigating the advice on nutrition can sometimes feel overwhelming.In this highlight from Well Enough, we’re joined by Dr Megan Rossi - also known as The Gut Health Doctor - and plant-based Chef Gemma Ogston. Together, they bring a blend of medical expertise and culinary practicalities to the table. In this clip, you will discover a surprising revelation about how our bodies utilize fibre.
12. Dr Alex George & Psychotherapist Anna Mathur: How to Rewire Your Brain for Happiness
43:31||Season 1, Ep. 12Is "toxic positivity" ruining your mental health? In this episode, we speak to former UK government Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Dr. Alex George, and psychotherapist and author Anna Mathur to dismantle the pressure to be happy all the time and explore the science of finding joy in the small things.We discuss the difference between dopamine hits and true happiness, why we wear "masks" to hide depression, and the biology behind stress and joy. Plus, Dr. Alex and Anna share actionable tools - like Alex’s brilliantly simple “2 minute rule” and cognitive reframing techniques - to help you build mental fitness, manage ADHD, and combat loneliness.More from Well Enough: Follow Well Enough on Instagram hereFollow Emilie on Instagram here Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter hereTimecodes00:00 The Role of Negative Emotions00:51 Is Happiness Just Hormones?01:29 Why Stress Blocks Joy (Fight or Flight)02:14 Cortisol vs Serotonin02:52 Dopamine Hits vs True Joy03:41 The Dangers of Toxic Positivity04:08 Depression and Wearing the "Mask"05:27 Dr. Alex on ADHD & Vulnerability06:55 Antidepressants and Breaking Stigma08:05 The Loneliness of Hiding Feelings09:28 Men's Mental Health & Fear of Abandonment11:42 Mental Fitness vs. Mental Illness13:43 Childhood Trauma & Suppressing Emotions16:47 Neuroplasticity: Can We Rewire Our Brains?18:32 Motivation vs. Discipline19:55 Overcoming Self-Sabotage22:26 Letting Go of Perfectionism24:17 Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic27:32 Decision Fatigue & Social Media Burnout28:44 The Problem with Gratitude (And How to Fix It)33:14 The 2-Minute Rule (ADHD Hack)34:55 How to Build Healthy Habits (The Snowball Effect)36:26 Reframing: "I Have To" vs. "I Get To"39:20 Wellness Non-Negotiables: Rest & NatureMore from today’s guests:Dr Alex’s new book ‘Happy Habits’ | https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Habits-Steps-Build-Life/dp/0241771463Anna’s new book ‘The Good Decision Diary’ | https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Decision-Diary-making-decisions/dp/0241707226
11. Women’s Fitness: Instagram vs Reality with Alice Liveing and Shakira Akabusi
47:33||Season 1, Ep. 11Over 500 million people follow the #fitness hashtag on Instagram — but behind the workout videos, transformation posts, and motivational reels, what’s it really like to be a fitness influencer?In this episode of Well Enough, Emilie Lavinia is joined by two leading voices in online fitness: Alice Liveing and Shakira Akabusi.Alice Liveing has half a million followers on Instagram and shares positive advice on staying fit, in a sustainable way. But that wasn’t always the case. She began her online career as ‘Clean Eating Alice’ - an approach to nutrition which ultimately caused an eating disorder and even affected her menstrual cycle. Today, she opens up on what that lifestyle was like, sharing tips from her brand new book. Shakira - AKA Strong Like Mum - has fitness in her veins. You’ll know her as a resident fitness expert on ITV’S Lorraine.More from Well Enough: Follow Well Enough on Instagram hereFollow Emilie on Instagram here Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter hereTimecodes00:00 Introduction02:45 Why Lifting Weights Is Empowering For Women04:00 "Influencer" vs Personal Trainer06:50 The "Thinness" Trap & Misinformation12:55 Best Self vs Thinnest Self14:25 Performance Goals over Aesthetics16:30 The Ozempic Era18:30 Why We Hated PE at School23:00 The Dangers of Viral Challenges25:25 "Boring" Basics - Exercises That Work Best27:30 Pros & Cons of Online Fitness Access29:40 Gen Z, Longevity & Aesthetics34:35 New Era of Female Sports Role Models38:55 Cleaning Up Your Social Feed40:05 Guide: Starting Fitness in Perimenopause40:55 What is Progressive Overload?42:15 Why Posture is Critical44:55 Tips for Gym Anxiety48:50 Wellness Non-NegotiablesMore from today’s guests:Alice’s new book ‘Give Me Strength’ Follow Shakira’s ‘Strong Like Mum’ Instagram